Rose isn’t special. She works in the Factory just like everyone else — a dark, sprawling monolithic structure that runs along the coast and cuts the world in two. All that’s left now are desolate settlements that exist in its shadow, made up of submerged villages, derelict woods, and deadly swamps. No one knows what’s left of the world on the other side… But when Rose’s young daughter Ava is violently taken from their shanty town home a year before she is meant to join the work force, Rose will come face-to-face with the surreal, harrowing forces outside the Factory’s walls… Crowbound #1 is another fantastic debut from Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen that’d fit right into the traumatic children’s films of the 80s.
When it comes to creative teams in comics, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen is one where if you see they’re working on a comic together, you buy it. The combination of the two always results in entertaining stories that feature amazing art. Someone needs to back up the truck of money and just lock them in to do whatever they want. Crowbound is a new series that features the creative duo, and you better believe I read the first issue as soon as I could.
Crowbound #1 is the kind of story and debut you’d expect. It teases the grand picture, focusing on an emotional hook of a mother whose daughter has been taken away by those that rule. Interspersed, the issue has a dreamlike aspect to it as Rose and Ava dream, picturing what might be and remembering what was. There’s a haunting feel of it all and the mix between Lemire’s narrative and Nguyen’s art the comic has a feel of the 80s “children’s” movies I grew up with and delivered fantasy and a dose of trauma.
And there’s absolutely trauma here. Violence against women is present and while it’s not over the top in its depiction, it still got me to wince. But, it’s all a set up for what seems like a fantasy revenge tale, where Rose rises up against her oppressive rules to get her daughter back.
Nguyen’s art is his distinctive style and with the narrative, it takes an almost melancholy feel about it. The visuals are interesting telling us so much about the world and the characters, but there’s also a sadness to it all as well. And that feeling extends to the lettering by Steve Wands. It feels like there’s a choice in the lettering to deliver a style that matches the struggling society depicted as well as work with the dreamlike sequences.
Crowbound #1 opens up a lot of questions and the first issue doesn’t give a lot of answers. What it does give is a very focused story with an emotional core many can relate to. It’s a story of a mother who fights to get back her daughter. It’s a story of a parent protecting their child. How that plays out will be the big question and with Lemire and Nguyen at the helm, it’s one I can’t wait to find out the answer to.
Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands Story: 8.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Rose isn’t special. She works in the Factory just like everyone else — a dark, sprawling monolithic structure that runs along the coast and cuts the world in two. All that’s left now are desolate settlements that exist in its shadow, made up of submerged villages, derelict woods, and deadly swamps. No one knows what’s left of the world on the other side… But when Rose’s young daughter Ava is violently taken from their shanty town home a year before she is meant to join the work force, Rose will come face-to-face with the surreal, harrowing forces outside the Factory’s walls… Crowbound #1 is another fantastic debut from Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen that’d fit right into the traumatic children’s films of the 80s.
When it comes to creative teams in comics, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen is one where if you see they’re working on a comic together, you buy it. The combination of the two always results in entertaining stories that feature amazing art. Someone needs to back up the truck of money and just lock them in to do whatever they want. Crowbound is a new series that features the creative duo, and you better believe I read the first issue as soon as I could.
Crowbound #1 is the kind of story and debut you’d expect. It teases the grand picture, focusing on an emotional hook of a mother whose daughter has been taken away by those that rule. Interspersed, the issue has a dreamlike aspect to it as Rose and Ava dream, picturing what might be and remembering what was. There’s a haunting feel of it all and the mix between Lemire’s narrative and Nguyen’s art the comic has a feel of the 80s “children’s” movies I grew up with and delivered fantasy and a dose of trauma.
And there’s absolutely trauma here. Violence against women is present and while it’s not over the top in its depiction, it still got me to wince. But, it’s all a set up for what seems like a fantasy revenge tale, where Rose rises up against her oppressive rules to get her daughter back.
Nguyen’s art is his distinctive style and with the narrative, it takes an almost melancholy feel about it. The visuals are interesting telling us so much about the world and the characters, but there’s also a sadness to it all as well. And that feeling extends to the lettering by Steve Wands. It feels like there’s a choice in the lettering to deliver a style that matches the struggling society depicted as well as work with the dreamlike sequences.
Crowbound #1 opens up a lot of questions and the first issue doesn’t give a lot of answers. What it does give is a very focused story with an emotional core many can relate to. It’s a story of a mother who fights to get back her daughter. It’s a story of a parent protecting their child. How that plays out will be the big question and with Lemire and Nguyen at the helm, it’s one I can’t wait to find out the answer to.
Crowbound #1 comes to shops September 2, 2026.
Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands Story: 8.5 Art: 10 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
The Justice League has offered a number of villains amnesty, allowing them to prove they’re on the side of the angels. But what they didn’t see coming was the void that would leave in the world of super-villains! Batman and Lex Luthor must work together to investigate a Justice League villain who wants to fill that void, capitalizing on shifting priorities and the visions of the future that the DC Universe’s champions saw at the end of DC K.O. to create a dangerous new weapon! Can Batman and Lex set aside their differences to stop them? Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 might set up what’s to come for DC’s “All In,” but it stands out on its own as a really solid one-shot special.
Written by Mark Waid and Joshua Williamson, Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 has Batman and Lex Luthor teaming up to stop an illegal weapons purchase but why this? Where did the weapons come from? Who’s the buyer? Waid and Williamson delivers some answers and more mystery as the issue builds off of teases that have been spread out throughout the DC line and pointing to an eventual return of Darkseid.
Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 is entertaining on its own as Batman and Luthor are a fun duo to play off each other. Both have a vision of how to bring about “peace,” both are rather gruff, both are highly intelligent, and both feel their way is the right way. It’s a team-up that feels out of place but by the end is really entertaining and a hell of a lot of fun. The villain is solid. The progression of the story is engaging. And it’s easy to get into, even if you haven’t been paying attention to DC’s meta story that’s going on.
Part of the comic’s solid delivery is the art from Miguel Mendonça. With color by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and lettering by Steve Wands, the comic has a funhouse quality to it with some good scares and a lot of twisting visuals that’ll keep you sucked in to the visuals. There’s some fantastic art as Batman and Lex go further into the twisted house they’ve been sucked into and even when they’re not on a visual trip, the panels look fantastic with some great detail and coloring that stands out.
Justice League: Knight Vision Special #1 is a comic that might get overlooked this week but it’s one that’s well worth checking out. The art is top notch and story is entertaining, especially the back and forth between Luthor and Batman. You don’t need to care about, or know, the DC meta story to enjoy the comic. It stands on its own while adding something for the hardcore fans.
Story: Mark Waid, Joshua Williamson Art: Miguel Mendonça Color: Romulo Fajardo Jr. Letterer: Steve Wands Story: 8.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Following the critically acclaimed title Nostalgia, Mad Cave Studios has announced Wag, the second graphic novel from writer Scott Hoffman (co-founder and member of the multi-platinum group Scissor Sisters).
Designed by award-winning graphic designer Rian Hughes and illustrated by Juan Bobillo, Wag pairs genuine collectible appeal with a character-driven sci-fi story brought to life by expressive, clear-eyed artwork that connects across generations.
Wag, a loner in a post-apocalyptic world, hears voices in his head. It could be remnants of ancient technology (“old magic”), or he might just be crazy. With the aid of an ever-growing band of oddballs, Wag sets out on a quest to discover the source of his troubles—confronting strange and deadly enemies along the way—and ultimately fight an epic battle with the evil forces responsible for the collapse of civilization!
For fans of character-driven sci-fi, design-forward graphic novels, and post-apocalyptic stories that center on empathy, found family, and hope amid collapse, Wag is a natural pull-list pick!
The 144-page paperback arrives in comic shops and bookstores on July 21, 2026, with a Direct Market FOC of June 29.
Fanhome has launched The Legends of Batman, an expansive series of hardcover graphic novels featuring the greatest adventures of DC’s legendary Caped Crusader.
This incredible series of stories brings Batman’s life story together in an epic full-color collection.
We check out Batman: The Black Glove which features Batman#667-669, #672-675.
Story Grant Morrison Art: J.H. Williams III, Tony S. Daniel, Ryan Benjamin Ink: J.H. Williams III, Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea, Jonathan Glapion, Mark Irwin, Saleem Crawford Color: Dave Stewart, Guy Major Letterer: Rob Leigh, Ken Lopez, John J. Hill, Randy Gentile, Steve Wands, Travis Lanham, Sal Cipriano
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
Fanhome provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
The second big Marvel/DC crossover this year features a fifth dimension/fourth wall shattering lead Batman/Deadpool story from Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, and Alejandro Sanchez as well as four individual team-up tales ranging from great (Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, and Adriano Lucas are the perfect team for a Nightwing/Laura Kinney Wolverine crossover comic.) to good (It’s great to have new Amanda Conner interior art, but her, Mariko Tamaki, and Tamra Bonvillain‘s Hulk/Harley Quinn story has big “lol so random energy). The crossover explores the differences and similarities between the Marvel and DC Universes, connections between heroes, and in Morrison’s case, they mine their past as a writer and previous intercompany crossover. Let’s just say that Animal Man and bidders on the Gerry Conway/Ross Andru/uncredited house art fixer uppers’ Superman vs The Amazing Spider-Man are in for a good time.
I have a love/hate relationship with the lead Batman/Deadpool story, “The Cosmic Kiss Caper”. This would be a story that I would have died laughing over back in the day with my freshman roommate and our twin comic book collections of Grant Morrison JLA and Action Comics issues, Daniel Way Deadpool trade paperbacks, and various Marvel/DC intercompany crossovers. (Ron Marz and Darryl Banks’ Green Lantern/Silver Surfer slapped!) Morrison uses Deadpool’s fourth wall obliterating, over-caffeinated joke-a-minute personality to flex their incredibly deep reference pool, which Mora enhances through the visuals like a room dedicated to the Amalgam Universe. Like the Deadpool & Wolverine film, it can get grating after a while, but Grant Morrison is a much more clever writer than any of the five on that film and ends up using the comic’s barely there semblance of a plot to poke fun at themself.
“The Cosmic Kiss Caper” also made me realize how much I’ve missed Morrison’s sanity-in-a-sea of a chaos with a dry wit and bit of a James Bond flair take on Batman. Batman has been through these kind of situations before, and a Dark Claw reunion tour has nothing on Batman of Zur-En-Arrh or whatever the heck happened in Final Crisis. He reacts to the PG-13 Looney Tunes antics of Deadpool with style, grace, and dialogue that sounds like it could have been delivered by the late Kevin Conroy. On the art side, Dan Mora and Sanchez pour on flashy colors and poses that satisfied my inner action junkie while going for a more muted approach when this story’s special guest star appears. Batman/Deadpool can be cringy at times, but it’s a love letter to the enduring absurdity as well as emotional honesty of superhero comics. It’s solid pop comics, but Grant Morrison has more of knack writing Batman than the Merc with a Mouth.
Following up the chaos is a Dr. Strange/John Constantine story written by James Tynion, Joshua Williamson, and Scott Snyder, a triumvirate of writers, who have found success penning horror comics as well as Big Two superhero books. The art is handled by Hayden Sherman, who is one of the strongest visual storytellers in mainstream comics with their knack for inventive layouts, with colors by Mike Spicer. This story is about a showdown/conversation between Constantine and Strange (With a Ghost Rider vs Swamp Thing battle royale in the background.) that also ends up being about the nature of fear, darkness, and reality itself in the Marvel and DC universes. DC has the prestige of Vertigo, Alan Moore, Garth Ennis, Peter Milligan and more while Marvel has the more dubious “Midnight Sons” and the Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider duology. (Guillermo Del Toro has directed a Marvel horror film and not a DC one though.) However, Stephen Strange was doing his visually stunning occult thing way before the chain smoking lad from Liverpool, and Tynion, Williamson, and Snyder draw on the moral compromises that the Sorcerer Supreme has made in some of his more recent runs. This gives Sherman the opportunity to do some horrific chimera panels of Strange and Constantine merging with various mystical elements, and I love how they structure the story like a kind of wizard duel. As a fan of gritty fantasy, the occult, and superheroes, this story is a wicked delight, and team-ups between the supernatural denizens of the Big Two would be more than welcome.
The third story in Batman/Deadpool #1 is a team-up between Wolverine and Nightwing aka “nepo heroes” to rescue Gabby and Jonathan the Wolverine from Killer Croc. Tom Taylor uses a dual narration style that is a contemporary version of what Jeph Loeb did in Superman/Batman, and Bruno Redondo’s fluid choreography and grid brings a directness and ease of reading complemented by Adriano Lucas’ flat gold and blues. Taylor is a humorous writer with a side of pure heart like in moments where Dick Grayson, Laura Kinney, Gabby, and Barbara Gordon all bond over their different pets. Although different in outward demeanor, Dick and Laura have a lot of similarities, and Tom Taylor’s succinct narration adds context to the body language showcased in Redondo’s art. They have instant chemistry and could easily appear in each others’ books on regular basis without batting an eye. “Sticks and Snikts” is a no-brainer crossover that pays homage to Tom Taylor’s excellent work with both heroes as well as legacy heroes and their growth and development in general.
Batman/Deadpool #1 wraps up with a Hulk/Harley Quinn story and a Static/Ms. Marvel story that have polar opposite tones. “Harley and Hulk’s Amazin’ Saturday” is a bright adrenaline rush with boundless energy as the more colorful alter egos of Harleen Quinzel and Bruce Banner smash, eat, and even flirt their way through a five page story. There isn’t really a point for these characters to interact, but it’s a rare opportunity for Amanda Conner to show why she still has one of the smoothest lines in comics and shows that the anarchic nature of her Harley Quinn run with Jimmy Palmiotti could fit in with Hulk too. Also, it’s just nice to see the Hulk have fun and not being sent down to Hell or being sad and lonely for once.
On the flip side, “New Friends in Old Places” brings together the iconic teenage hero of the 1990s and the iconic teen hero of the 2010s. The old-ish, new school vibes matches the dynamic of the creative team of G. Willow Wilson, artists Denys Cowan and Klaus Janson, and colorist Francesco Segala. There’s not a lot of time to develop the story so Cowan ably transitions from domestic life to superhero ass kicking with plenty of teenage awkwardness as Static and Ms. Marvel team up to fight a generic kaiju. “New Friends in Old Places” felt like a few bits of an appetizer and not even a full small plate so hopefully there will be future interactions between these two heroes that have inspired young people of all genders, races, and religions. (And are also total nerds!)
Batman/Deadpool #1 is a satisfying intercompany crossover that features dynamic work from some of the best artists in comics and a range of tones and types of stories. It’s fun to see Grant Morrison turn back the clock to 1990 in some ways while dropping hit and miss one-liners about Gen Z Internet culture and Absolute Batman, and Dan Mora was born for this kind of big, bad action spectacular. However, my favorite stories were the Dr. Strange/John Constantine and Nightwing/Laura Kinney Wolverine crossovers because they were both intellectually simulating and visually enticing while digging to the core of their protagonists and roles in their respective universes. Also, it’s kind of epic to see Hayden Sherman draw Ghost Rider and Swamp Thing beating each other up. (One day your Alan Moore, Stephen Bissette, and John Totleben will come, Mr. Blaze/Ketch/Reyes!)
Story: Grant Morrison, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder Story: Tom Taylor, Mariko Tamaki, G. Willow Wilson Art:Dan Mora, Hayden Sherman, Bruno Redondo, Amanda Conner, Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson Colors: Alejandro Sanchez, Mike Spicer, Adriano Lucas, Tamra Bonvillain, Francesco Segala Letters: Todd Klein, Frank Cvetkovic, Wes Abbott, Dave Sharpe, Steve Wands Story: 8.2 Art: 8.9 Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Writer: Hannah Rose May, Utkarsh Ambudkar Artist: Guillermo Sanna Colorist: Dearbhla Kelly Letterer: Steve Wands Cover Artist: Guillermo Sanna with Dearbhla Kelly
Ripped from his comfortable place behind a computer screen, former tactical analyst Abhi must enter the fray with Merlin, the field agent that has stolen his heart (and top-secret government assets).
Transitioning from a behind-the-scenes “Guy in the Chair” to a front-row seat to danger, Abhi must now face more direct threats to life and limb as the two of them outrun their former employer the Observatory . . . who will stop at nothing to eliminate the two before they threaten the organization’s well-planned global takeover.
The Dark Knight and the Merc with a Mouth team up for an adventure so mind-bending you’ll think you’re in a dream! Batman/Deadpool #1 is brought to you by legendary creators Grant Morrison and Dan Mora!
And be sure not to miss these incredible extra stories: Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Joshua Williamson team up with Hayden Sherman for a magical Constantine/Doctor Strange tale! Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo bring you an epic Nightwing/Dick Grayson and Laura Kinney/Wolverine story! Mariko Tamaki and Amanda Conner smash Harley Quinn and the Hulk together! G. Willow Wilson and Denys Cowan tell an electrifying Static and Ms. Marvel yarn!
Check out the full list of creators below as well as an early preview of the comic!
Batman and Deadpool in “The Cosmic Kiss Caper!” by Grant Morrison, Dan Mora, Alejandro Sánchez, and Todd Klein
John Constantine and Doctor Strange in “A Magician Walks Into a Universe” by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Hayden Sherman, Mike Spicer, and Frank Cvetkovic
Nightwing (Dick Grayson) and Wolverine (Laura Kinney) in “Sticks & Snikts” by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbott
Harley Quinn and The Incredible Hulk in “Harley & Hulk’s Amazin’ Saturday!!!!” by Mariko Tamaki, Amanda Conner, Tamra Bonvillain, and Dave Sharpe
Static (Virgil Hawkins) and Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) in “New Friends in Old Places” by G. Willow Wilson, Denys Cowan, Klaus Janson, Francesco Segala, and Steve Wands
Writer: Hannah Rose May, Utkarsh Ambudkar Artist: Guillermo Sanna Colorist: Dearbhla Kelly Letterer: Steve Wands Cover Artist: Guillermo Sanna with Dearbhla Kelly
In the blood-soaked world of assassins and spies love has no place. Unfortunately for Abhi, a tactical analyst at a private military company, love is all he can think about. Against his employer’s strict policy, he’s fallen head over heels for Merlin, the field operative whose missions he supports as her “Guy in the Chair.”
When Merlin shows up at his apartment bloody, beaten, and pleading for help, Abhi is yanked from behind the safety of his computer screens, and now the two must prevent their former employer and a cabal of corporate overlords from a hostile global takeover that threatens all of humanity.
Robin has teamed up with the mysterious villain known only as the Wraith, and Batman is desperate to save his new ward from the sinister temptations of evil. Can the Dark Knight rescue Jason Todd before his corruption is complete? And even if he can, is there any hope that this tortured soul can be rehabilitated into the crime-fighter Batman is so desperately trying to mold him into?
Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Dustin Nguyen Color: Dustin Nguyen Letterer: Steve Wands
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
